Iran Restarts Nuclear Facility

Uranium Conversion Plant Resumes Work Despite Europe, U.S. Pleas

(CBS/AP)  "The IAEA said in a letter to us today that it gives (the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran) permission to remove the seals and fully restart activities at the facility," Mohammad Saeedi, Iran's deputy nuclear chief, told state-run television Wednesday.

The reopening of the plant is part of a tough new stance Iran is taking over its nuclear program. It suspended all nuclear activities in November to avoid U.N. sanctions and as a gesture in negotiations with the Europeans, who have been trying to convince Iran to limit its nuclear program.

Before the November suspension, the Isfahan facility converted some 37 tons of yellowcake into UF-4, a preliminary stage. Experts say that amount could yield 200 pounds of weapons-grade uranium, enough to make five crude nuclear weapons.

Over the weekend, Iran rejected European proposals offering economic incentives in return for abandoning its uranium processing facilities. New hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called the offer "an insult," but he said Iran wanted to continue negotiations and would make its own proposals.

President Bush said he got word Tuesday that Ahmadinejad said he is willing to negotiate with other nations amid concerns that his country is developing nuclear weapons.

"Just as I was walking here, I received word that the new president said he was willing to get back to the table," Mr. Bush told reporters at a brief question-and-answer session at his Texas ranch.

The removal of the seals Wednesday means the facility can start converting that UF-4 to UF-6, as well as convert more yellowcake from scratch.